After several weeks of swirling rumours about his departure as Head coach of Morocco national football team, Walid Regragui has finally stepped down from his position and has been replaced by Mohamed Ouahbi.
The announcement was made Thursday evening during a press conference held at the HQ of the Royal Moroccan Football Federation (FRMF) in presence of Faouzi Lekjaa, Head of FRMF.
The Atlas Lions coach replacement comes in just three months before the FIFA World Cup 2026.
“I leave my role with loyalty, gratitude and the certainty that I have served my country,” said Regragui, 50, who has been under mounting pressure after failing to deliver Morocco his second African Cup of Nations.
“The team needs a fresh face, a different energy, and a new perspective with a new coach,” he added. “I think the team needs a new lease of life before the World Cup, a new vision to continue progressing. My decision to leave is part of this team’s evolution,” underlined Mr. Regragui.
He led the Atlas Lions to semi-finals at Qatar World Cup 2022, making history as the first African and Arab team to reach the last four of the finals.
Morocco’s head coach Mohamed Ouahbi, 49, said: “This is not simply a change. The objective is to ensure the continuous development of Moroccan football through a structured roadmap.”
Under his tenure, Moroccan Atlas Cubs won FIFA World Cup in Chile after beating Argentina 2-0. “I am a person who focuses on projects and knows how to build long term”, he added, noting that his objectives are clear: continue developing the national team, building on achievements accomplished by Moroccan football.
“The priority is to maintain good performance and achieve results that make the national team recognized globally, rather than focusing solely on individual names,” he stressed.
In World Cup 2026, which will be held in the United States, Mexico and Canada, Morocco will play their opener against five-time champions Brazil on 13 June. The Atlas lions will also face Scotland and Haiti.
